Interviewing Do´s and Don´ts

Do´s

  • Arrive 15 minutes early. Tardiness is never excusable.
  • Leave your cell phone in the car or turn it completely off. Buzzing counts as an interruption.
  • Dress appropriately. Make your first impression a professional one.
  • Look them in the eye and shake hands like you mean it!
  • Be professional: Smile, make eye contact, and maintain good posture.
  • Clarify questions. Answer the interviewer's questions as specifically as possible. Relate your skills and background to the position requirements throughout the interview.
  • Give your qualifications. Focus on accomplishments that are most pertinent to the job.
  • Anticipate tough questions. Prepare to turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.
  • Ask open-ended questions. Remember an interview should be a mutual exchange of information, not a one-sided conversation.
  • Listen. Concentrate not only on the interviewer's words, but also on the tone of voice and body language. Once you understand how the interviewer thinks, pattern your answers accordingly and you will be able to establish a better rapport.
  • Make sure you have a presentable social media image. Prospective employers will review these outlets to learn as much as possible about prospective candidates.
  • Close on a positive note – "What is the next step?"

Don´ts

  • Don't answer vague questions. Ask the interviewer to clarify fuzzy questions.
  • Don't interrupt the interviewer. If you don't listen, the interviewer won't either.
  • Don't be overly familiar, even if the interviewer is.
  • Don't be disrespectful. Don't smoke, chew gum or place anything on the interviewer's desk.
  • Don't wear heavy perfume or cologne. The interviewer may not share your tastes.
  • Don't ramble. Overlong answers may make you sound apologetic or indecisive.
  • Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully.
  • Don't express bitterness. Avoid derogatory remarks about present or former employers.
  • Don’t forget to be cautious when posting on social media sites, even if they are personal.
  • When in doubt – don’t. If you think you shouldn’t say something – DON'T!
  • Don’t forget to Smile!